For all the China business consultants out there

As a business person facilitating trade between China and Australia and having spent many years learning Chinese I will always argue that language is a must if you really want to achieve results in this field. Whilst you can transfer the language responsibility to someone else to help you, as a business owner it’s often very hard to find that someone with the same passion and understanding of your business that you have.

 

I am regularly challenged by other consultants or commentators that haven't learnt Chinese but who are also facilitating business between China and Australia and who feel that speaking Chinese is not compulsory. Whilst I must also acknowledge this as definitely where there's a will there's a way, I often find myself quietly thinking - this is a self propagating argument. If I didn't speak Chinese but still wanted to be taken seriously in the business community as a Chinese business leader, I too would argue - language is not necessary. 

 

So whilst this argument will always be in the affirmative for those that do and negative for these that don't, let me remind you of this:

 

Having both languages means:

1. You are less likely to make unnecessary cultural mistakes;

2. You spend less time wondering and more time decision making;

3. You are more like to have control over your environment, negotiations and people; 

4. You will be able to build a bridge of trust much quicker; and

5. You will gain respect from your counterparts for making the effort!